‘Wimbledon loop’ Thameslink service at 'most reliable ever'

The operator in charge of the cuts-threatened ‘Wimbledon loop’ service has claimed more trains are running on time than ever before.

First Capital Connect (FCC), which runs the Wimbledon and Sutton Thameslink route, said over 94 per cent of trains arrived within five minutes on schedule, in the four weeks up to September 15.

The company’s managing director, Neal Lawson, said: “We have been working closely with Network Rail to improve reliability of the track and signalling systems and this compliments our own drive in operations to deliver a more reliable, punctual service for our customers.”

Hundreds of people, including councillors from all major political parties at Merton, Sutton and Lambeth, have backed a petition against proposals to make Thameslink services terminate at Blackfrairs station.

The plans are part of a Government consultation on a new seven-year franchise for the line, which are set to be decided at the beginning of next year.